The latest Star Wars: The High Republic novel, “Escape from Valo” by Daniel José Older and Alyssa Wong, may be set centuries before the Star Wars prequel trilogy – but it still serves to make Order 66 even more heartbreaking. The Clone Wars came to an end with Order 66, one of the most horrific events in the history of the Jedi Order. It was the beginning of a Jedi Purge; with Darth Vader and the Imperial Inquisitors seeking out Order 66 survivors across the galaxy.
But Order 66 was far from the first Jedi Purge in history. Star Wars: The High Republic Phase III is effectively telling the story of another purge, in a section of the galaxy cordoned off by space pirates known as the Nihil. Jedi stranded in Nihil space are being hunted mercilessly, with Force predators known as the Nameless draining their victims of the Force – leaving them reduced to calcified husks. “Escape from Valo,” by Daniel José Older and Alyssa Wong, is set in Nihil-occupied space – and tells the story of a group of Jedi Younglings and the lonely Padawan trying to keep them alive.
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Escape From Valo Gives A Powerful New Perspective On A Jedi Purge
George Lucas always insisted that Star Wars is for kids first and foremost, but he was steadfast in his belief children can handle darkness – so long as there is still hope. “Escape from Valo” honors Lucas’ perspective, because the concept is disturbingly bleak and yet the whole story is suffused with hope. Jedi Padawan Ram Jomaram – a technical whizz – has taken responsibility for keeping a small group of Jedi Younglings alive on the occupied world of Valo; Ram is himself out of his depth, struggling to adapt to this new sense of responsibility and unsure whether he is falling prey to his attachments.
Older and Wong skillfully draw readers into the personal worlds of their characters, showing particular care for one named Gavi – who wrestles with his deepening attraction to a fellow youngling, Kildo. The three younglings are still trying to cling to the Jedi traditions they have been taught, but in truth they’ve gone almost feral after over a year hiding in the jungles of Valo. Matters are even more complicated because these younglings were recruited from the local population, meaning they have their own relationships with the planet’s inhabitants, who seem unsure whether to actively blame the Jedi for the occupation.
There’s something profoundly moving about “Escape from Valo,” a Star Wars story that’s effectively set in the middle of a Jedi Purge. This story shows how such events affect the next generation of Jedi, the children who were left behind when their masters fled or were killed by the Nihil and the Nameless. What is beautiful, though, is that all the various characters continue to learn throughout the story; there are some powerful and poignant reflections on just what it means to be a Jedi in such a dark time.
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A Nameless Sense Of Dread
When Star Wars: The High Republic was launched, readers were told it would reveal what could make a Jedi afraid. The answer: The Nameless, monstrous Force predators that stalk Nihil space. “Escape from Valo” sees one of the Nameless brought to the planet, and the stakes rise exponentially. Smart writing means the suspense increases from the moment the Nameless arrives. There are also strong hints the scale of the threat is even greater than had previously been thought to be the case.
“If Gavi had focused and let himself look at the Force without trying to touch it, he would have seen Lonisa City’s shape unraveling, its edges deteriorating and its weave loosening in the center.”
Does this imply the mere presence of a Nameless begins to unravel and destroy the Force in an entire city? If so, the tremendous thing about this moment is the very fact it is so understated given it has such momentous implications. It’s also perfectly fitting; the point-of-view characters are kids out of their depth, who have no idea what’s really going on around them.
“Escape from Valo” may be aimed at younger readers, but it deals with some powerful and mature themes in such an effective way. It serves as a reminder of just why Star Wars: The High Republic has been such a success for the franchise. It will be thrilling to see where Phase III goes from here.
Buy Escape for Valo from Amazon
